Chandla legislator RD Prajapati on Monday sat on dharna against the alleged illegal sand mining operations in his assembly area, which falls under Chhatarpur district.

Prajapati alleged that makeshift bridges have been built, and presently 2,000-2,500 trucks from Uttar Pradesh are stationed in both areas to take the sand to UP. (HT photo)

Chandla legislator RD Prajapati on Monday sat on dharna against the alleged illegal sand mining operations in his assembly area, which falls under Chhatarpur district.

The Bharatiya Janata Party MLA has repeatedly raised his voice against illegal mining in the region, alleging that the sand mafia from Uttar Pradesh is mining along the Ken river, with support from the police and administration.

On Monday, Prajapati, his son Rajesh — the president of the Chhatarpur district panchyat — and their supporters sat on dharna at the Fatehpur sand mine. Prajapati told HT that the sand mafia is mining sand in the Fatehpur and Kurdhana areas, using heavy equipment and machinery. He said 26 lifters have been installed in the river, which automatically pump out sand from the river water. He also said that makeshift bridges have been built, and presently 2,000-2,500 trucks from Uttar Pradesh are stationed in both areas to take the sand to UP.

The legislator further alleged that the police take Rs 2,000 per truck to allow it to pass, with the collected money distributed among other officials.

“The administrative officials are asking me to end the dharna, but I have told them that they should first take action, and then only I will end my agitation,” he said.

Sagar divisional commissioner Manohar Agnani said the Chhatarpur collector Ramesh Bhandari is dealing with the matter and strict action against illegal sand mining will be taken. Meanwhile, Bhandari said cases have been lodged against illegal miners.